ITC London 2027 Speaker Interview: Erik Johnson, Head of Technical Underwriting and Oversight at Markel International

Before building more than 20 years in insurance, Erik Johnson was a professional ballet dancer, and the discipline of that world still shapes how he leads. Today, as Head of Technical, Standards and Enablement at Markel International, he sits on the CUO’s Underwriting Strategy & Performance leadership team, setting standards and supporting underwriters to write profitable business safely. His career spans Marsh Canada, Deloitte and Lloyd’s, and he is a founding Board member of Inclusion@Lloyd’s. 

In this interview, Erik shares what the stage taught him about preparation, why he believes insurance is far less old-fashioned than its reputation suggests, and how the market can pair sound underwriting judgement with better data and technology. 

You can see those ideas tested live at ITC London 2027, where Erik joins Chris Moore of Apollo ibott for Debate: Old-School Lloyd’s Underwriter vs. Digital Company-Market Underwriter, a head-to-head on judgement vs. models and what “great underwriting” looks like in the 2027 cycle.  

What’s been the most defining moment of your career so far? 

One of the most defining moments of my career was being selected for a Lloyd's portrait celebrating diversity and inclusion across the market. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on an unconventional journey from professional ballet into insurance, and on how much our industry benefits from welcoming different perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking. Those themes continue to shape how I approach leadership, talent and innovation today. 

What’s one misconception about the industry that you’d love to change? 

That insurance is old-fashioned or resistant to change. Insurance is one of the most important enablers of innovation in the global economy. Every day, people across the industry are helping businesses take calculated risks, supporting new technologies, and finding solutions to emerging challenges that didn't exist a decade ago. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to enter this field today? 

Focus on developing curiosity rather than trying to learn everything at once. The industry is incredibly broad and offers opportunities across underwriting, claims, technology, data, strategy and product development. Build strong technical foundations, stay open to new ideas, and remember that the ability to understand people and make sound judgements will remain valuable no matter how much technology evolves. 

What’s one lesson from outside of insurance that has shaped how you work? 

My time as a dancer taught me that consistent preparation creates confidence. Whether you're performing on a stage or making underwriting decisions, success usually comes from the discipline of practising fundamentals, learning continuously and being ready when the moment arrives. 

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? 

Before entering insurance, I worked as a professional ballet dancer. It is not the most conventional route into the industry, but it gave me lessons in discipline, teamwork and resilience that still influence how I lead and work today. I also share my home office with two Burmese cats who seem convinced they are members of the Underwriting Committee 

Why does the topic of your Debate at ITC London 2027 matter right now? 

The future of underwriting is not a choice between traditional expertise and digital capability. The market needs both. The opportunity is to combine sound underwriting judgement with better data, technology and workflows so underwriters can make faster, more informed decisions while maintaining discipline, profitability and oversight. 

If this article gets you thinking, continue the conversation at ITC London 2027, taking place on 25–26 January at The Brewery, London. 

Interested in sharing your expertise on stage?